What do you have planned this week?

Why is it that every half term we always seem to spend a fortune on activities? Whether it's a trip to the cinema, zoo or swimming we're always looking for a way to entertain the children.

Well, we have a few tips that might come in handy. 

Go to the local park… if the children are under 10 years old then this isn't a problem, however, if they are over 10, they seem to go through the stage where being seen with your parents "totally isn't cool". But if they are under 10 then this is perfect, take some outdoor toys with you i.e. ball, or even a blanket with a flask of hot chocolate, take advantage of the fact that it's not to cold.

Bake, bake and bake some more. Wether it's flapjacks or homemade ice cream, for some reason kids can't get enough of baking. Maybe it's the anticipation of licking the bowl or just making the biggest  mess imaginable, who knows? 

A movie marathon. So people say that it's not healthy for children to watch endless amounts of television, movies or play on computer games for hours on end, but surely a Disney marathon doesn't count in this? or Dreamworks? Who doesn't love Sherk? 

Team up, why not invite another parent and their child or children over for the afternoon? You can sit and relax whilst the children entrain themselves, although we do advise to maybe check on them every once in a while, you don't want their bedroom to turn into some sort of toy jungle. Don't fancy inviting them over? Then why not take a picnic to the park?

If you've tried all these and still find yourself spending endless amount on day trips, be thankful that this half term is one week and not two, your little angles will return to school in now time! 

Autumn Is Officially Here

Put your shorts away and grab your wellies... autumn is here, and it looks like it's staying.

Well... after plenty of summer adventures its finally time to put away the barbecue, although this doesn't mean that you can't still explore the British country side, just make sure you pack your gloves and of course... your hopper pots!

There are so many places to explore that are right on our door step not many of us know about them. The National Trust are holding plenty of guided walks throughout the autumn months you have no excuse to stay in doors and hide form the cold!

Schools out for summer!

So the end of term is fast coming, for some lucky people it is already here!
Do you have any plans during your time off?
Why don't you take advantage of this glorious weather and take a picnic down to your local National Trust park, but don't forget to pack your hopper pots.
You could even recycle your empty hopper pots and do some gardening, they are the perfect pots to grow different herbs in!

Just check out our website for all our tasty and healthy products.

What is your next adventure?

Snowboarding season may be over but what's your next adventure going to be? Here at Hopper HQ we'd love to know! 

Image from the National Geographic Website

Game. Set. Match.

It's time to dust off those Tennis whites... Wimbledon has begun!

We've got two weeks of Tennis madness! Whether you're watching in the comfort of your own home, or heading down to SW19 we've got you covered. Our delicious Hopper Pots are perfect to keep your energy levels up high when the Tennis is going back and fourth... and if you are going to be joining those queues step away from the burger truck, and go for a healthy pot of noodles instead!

Just remember, all you need is a flask of hot water and a Hopper Pot! :-)

Football Frenzy

Are you excited for the Fifa World Cup? We certainly are here in the Grasshopper offices!

Tomorrow is the big day... the whole world will be in a football frenzy for just over the month, and we just can't wait! Whether you'll be sitting at home watching it with your family or heading to the local with a group of friends, it will be fun for everyone!

If you're staying at home why not took into some delicious Hopper Pots... our tasty noodles and soups are the perfect treat to keep the atmosphere going while the match is on!!

Half Term Adventures!

Keeping the kids entertained over half term can be quite a struggle... especially as the weather has taken a downward spiral!

Don't let the rain stop you from heading on adventures - grab your wellies, coat and an umbrella and you're ready to head out into the great outdoors. Whether you're thinking of hiking up a hill, exploring the local countryside or visiting a farm... just get the kids outside and into the fresh air, just remember to keep your bellies full, as you don't want any angry/hungry kiddies throwing a tantrum. 

Take Grasshopper with you, our delicious soups will help keep you warm and fill you up when hunger calls! Our petite Hoppers are perfect to fit in your backpack without taking up too much space - remember to take along a flask of hot water so you can tuck in whenever you want!

Picnic Perfect

The sun is shining, the temperatures are high, this calls for one thing... a picnic.

With the weather being so glorious, it would be silly to miss out on the sunshine! Whether you make it a family affair or strictly friends only, getting together and laying on the grass with food and drink is a great way to relax, have fun and soak up the sun.

You know what the perfect picnic food is... a delicious pot of tomato & basil soup.

Earth Day 2014!

Did you know that it is Earth Day today? 

If not, then where have you been... it's been happening for years, plus it's trending on Twitter, not once... but TWICE!! 

What better way to celebrate then heading out and about with the kids, take them to the local park for a game of tig or head out on a brisk walk! Whatever you do, don't forget to take along a umbrella! 

Easter Saturday Fun!

This Saturday (April 19th) we're going to be at the Blacks store in Kingston!! 

Pop down for some fun this Easter, there's something for everyone - grown ups can try our delicious porridges and enter our free draw to win some fab prizes... and the kids will love the Hopper races, 5 minute Hopping Challenge and Little Artists Colouring Zone, with prizes for all contestants.

Plus, on the day we have a special offer available... 3 for 2 on all Grasshopper goodies - woohoo!! It really is the perfect excuse to stock on all your Grasshopper favourites.

So if you're in Kingston on Saturday, pop down to Blacks between 10am and 4pm and get involved in our Grasshopper Games!

Mothering Sunday!

On Sunday it's Mothering Sunday... a day to pamper and treat your mum, for all the nice things she has done! But how will you be treating her this weekend?

Well, look no more... we have a couple of tricks up our sleeves that can help put a smile on your mums face! 

• Pamper Days

You can take your mum to a day of pampering at a beautiful spa, to help her unwind and relax. But this can end up being rather pricey, so spend the day with your mum at home while doing face masks, foot rubs, pedicures and manicures... all in the comfort of your own home, or your mums home! 

• Adventurous Walks

All mums are different... and if your mum is more outdoorsy, then put on those walking boots and get outside! Take in the brisk fresh air and head out on a walk around the local woods or lake... or jump on a train/car and explore a nearby village filled with walking tracks waiting to be explored! 

• Breakfast in Bed

You don't need to be a chef to treat you mum to breakfast in bed... especially when we make it so easy for you. Grab a delicious pot of our porridge, in your mums favourite flavour of course, and just add in hot water... make it extra special by putting it on a tray with a little flower and a glass of cool iced water with a slice of lemon, or a lovely cup of tea! 

• Movie Evenings

Some of us don't have the luxury of having work off on Sundays... so make the most of your evening by spoiling your mum by having a lovely evening watching her favourite films. But don't binge out on junk food, grab a pot of our noodles instead, which are super tasty and healthy! Even better, all you need to do is just add hot water into the pot - so you won't miss any of the exciting parts when the film is on! 

Did ewe say free shipping?

That's right... across the month of March we are offering free postage and packaging on all orders. All you need to do is head to our website, stock up on our delicious, nutritious pot wonders and enter VIP03 at the checkout... easy peasy!

Family Fun

As it's now March, the Spring season is definitely around... and fingers crossed the sun will stay shining!

There is no better time then now to start heading out into the great outdoors, so we have complied a list of some activities that all the family can get involved in!

• Visit a local farm and see the animals.
• Head out on a hike/walk.
• Play tag in a local park.
• Plant some flowers in the garden.
• Jump around in puddles when caught in a downpour.
• Feed the ducks.
• Get the bikes out and go on a ride.

Some might seem silly, but will definitely be fun! Why not give them a go...

The Outdoor Show 2014

Hurray... the time has come, it's time for the Outdoor Show!

And of course Grasshopper will be there... so why not pop down and say hello, even check out our products and meet part of the team!

We will be at stand OU640... see you there.

The Mama Rumi Trail

Photograph by Dan Barham

Biking is always fun... exploring the great outdoors, getting covered in dirt and mud - it all equals a great day out!! Well, take it to another level by biking the Mama Tumi Trail in Ecuador. This trail will see you biking down a mountain into a rain forest and ending in a banana plantation - sounds rather exciting to us!

There is still a chance to WIN!

Firstly, we would like to say a huge congratulations to our winners so far...

We still have FOUR pairs of tickets to giveaway for the Outdoor Show!! If you want to come down to the London Excel this weekend, simply buy a case of any products and you will automatically be entered into our prize draw. If you are a lucky winner, you will receive an email from a team member!!

Good luck everyone, remember just hop onto the website.

Back-country Skiing

Photograph by Richard Hallman

The ski season is upon us! There's nothing better the gliding down the snowy slopes on a clear day, but what about back-country skiing? It's a little more extreme and dangerous but this is exactly what skier Tommy Ellingson did, who is seen here launching off a jump at 8,000 feet on the White River Glacier!

Would you ever try something like this?

The Outdoor Show 2014

We are going to the Outdoor Show this month (13-16 February 2014). Hurray!

And you can come too as we have a couple of pairs of tickets to giveaway. It really is easy, all you need to do is hop onto the website and buy some tasty products, then you will automatically be entered into our prize draw!

If you are a lucky winner you will then be contacted by a member of our team... what you waiting for pop over to the website now.

Ice Ice Baby

Image: essentialtravel.co.uk

The cold, frosty, wintery weather has definitely arrived and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. The best bit of winter... has to be all the ice skating rinks that have opened up and down the country! It's the perfect time to get those skate on and glide across the ice (or maybe fall)... depending on your skills. 

Ice skating is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy, also it's a great way to exercise and have fun - but all that whizzing around the rink can build up an appetite. So why not grab a pot of our tasty Grasshopper soups to help fill those empty stomachs! 

With three flavours to choose from, Tomato & Basil, Mushroom & Chives and Lentil & Coconut, there is something for everyone. 

Available from grasshopper-foods.com

Half term fun!

It's nearly half term and keeping the kids entertained can be quite the challenge. Well we have come up with some activities that can keep the whole family happy over the half term week!

1. Get Crafty
With Halloween next week it's the perfect opportunity to create some spooky decorations. It's time to get out the crayons, paints and paper, and get creative! It's also a chance to start making home-made Christmas cards, as the festive holiday is just around the corner.

2. Head Out Into Autumn
If the weather is fine why not head to your local park or out into the countryside, enjoy the fresh air and nature around. October is great time to go for walks and see the glorious colours that are now around as Autumn has arrived - it's a chance to see nature and even wildlife! Remember to keep yourself fueled up, why not try our delicious Grasshopper Pots?

3. Trick-or-Treating
As Halloween falls over half term it's the perfect opportunity to take the kids trick-or-treating, it's time to put on those scary costumes and see what treats you can get.

4. Movie Time
Watching a film is a great way to keep the kids entertained, whether you decide to go to the cinema to see a new release or stay at home watching a family favourite - it's the perfect to keep them quite for a couple of hours!

5. Explore
Being at home can be boring sometimes seeing the same things over again, if you want a different view then pop on a train, bus or in the car and go explore somewhere new! Take a couple of days away from home, at a cosy B&B or country hotel.

These are just a few ideas for you. How will you be keeping the kids entertained over half term?